What is Tequila?
Tequila is a popular Mexican spirit made from the fermented sugars of the Blue Agave plant. It is most often used for margaritas, sipping, and cocktails. The spirit has a distinctive flavor profile, characterized by its crisp, herbal notes and a slightly sweet, earthy finish. Generally speaking, Tequila can be broken down into two main types: Blanco and Añejo. Blanco Tequila is un-aged and is often bottled right after distillation, while Añejo is aged for at least a year. There is also an extra-aged Añejo Tequila, which is aged for at least three years in oak barrels. This aging process creates a complex and unique flavor profile, which makes it an interesting spirit for mixologists.
Unique Flavors of Tequila
Today, modern Tequila producers are blending and fermenting different blue agave varieties in order to create different flavor profiles. Here are some of the most interesting flavor variations you can find in modern Tequila varieties:
Citrus
Some modern Tequila varieties have been blended with citrus flavors, such as oranges, limes and lemons. These citrus notes are particularly prominent in Blanco Tequilas. The added citrus notes add brightness, sweetness and acidity, making for a complex and interesting flavor profile.
Smokey
Tequila is not traditionally smoked, but with modern techniques producers are able to infuse smokey flavors into the spirit. The process starts with placing agave hearts over slow burning embers. Then, they are mixed in the Tequila blend, creating a unique smokey flavor.
Coconut
Coconut is not a traditional Tequila flavor, but many brands today are adding coconut flavors to their expressions. Coconut adds a sweet, tropical flavor and aroma, making it ideal for mixing into summer cocktails. It can also be used to balance out the herbal, earthy notes of Tequila.
Spice
Some producers are now aging their Añejo Tequilas in oak barrels that have been charred or toasted. This adds a subtle spiciness to the spirit, which helps to balance out the sweetness from the agave. It also adds complexity to the flavor profile, making it perfect for sipping on its own, or mixing into a cocktail.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has become a popular flavor addition to many spirits, including Tequila. While not a traditional flavor for this spirit, cinnamon can be used to add a sweet and spicy note that complements the herbaceous and earthy flavors of Tequila.
Conclusion
Modern Tequila producers are experimenting with different flavor profiles in order to create unique and interesting expressions of this spirit. Many of these expressions feature citrus, smokey, coconut, spice and cinnamon notes, adding complexity and richness to the flavor profile. For those looking for something new and exciting, these modern Tequila varieties are worth a try.
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